Shop update

People have been asking me when my new shop is opening. I'm working hard behind the scenes to get things up and running soon, hopefully in the next few weeks (this is a one-man-show, it's the summer hols in France and I've three kids at home... I need to get back into the swing of things after a three-year "break" from work).
Here's a taste of things to come - vintage puzzles by Galt, bright snap cards by Abbatt toys, a Swedish cutout doll, a 50s toy piano (that works!), tons of children's books and lots, lots more. I promise to keep you up-to-date. Hope you like what you see!

Mariedelîle

Come back from your holidays and feeling low? Haven't been away yet and are counting the days until you do? I've just the tonic you need: Mariedelîle -100% zest, sunshine and joy.


Marie Veyron Bathellier lives with her family on the Atlantic island of Yeu. She moved there in 2003 after studying art in Poland and spending much of her childhood sailing with her parents.
I love Marie's huge canvases, they're so bright, free and uplifting. I could stare at those daubs, dots and swirls all day.


Marie also designs gorgeous, fun fabrics and cushions and has worked on children's ranges with the likes of Agnès B enfant and Petit Bateau.



Wish I could see some of these paintings for real or take my kids to one of her painting courses. Le bonheur tout simplement, guaranteed to keep you cheerful all year long!

Children's artwork #2

I've started following a lovely blog called Rudi's drawings. This little boy's art reminds me so much of my eldest son's work at the same age, especially the monsters and dinosaurs. Dylan has always been a prolific artist. He draws very quickly and in great detail as these examples, all drawn at the age of 5, demonstrate.

Mon petit bonhomme

Mon bébé, Miles Harrison Beau, ou 'Bob'.

Crayon sculptures

J'aime... Very special pieces by German artist Helga Stuber-Nicolas. More information (in French) and photos available here , here and here.

Dee Beale

Well, I promised you lots of sunshine on this blog... just look at this beautiful 'Shine' print by UK-based printmaker Dee Beale! I'm really into Scandinavian designs at the moment, so I fell in love with Dee's colourful gocco-prints straightaway. I particularly like her hares, poppies and cornflower birds.





Dee has an etsy and folksy store. She is offering free shipping on all orders placed in both shops this week (20th to 26th July). Allez-y, brighten up someone's day!

Wise words

I know they're not new, but here's a fine motto for life.
Print #1 Bold&Noble
Print #2 by Gail Bryson for Pedlars
Print #3 by Farouche